SHAH ALAM, May 4 (Bernama) -- National squad players for the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup should not feel demoralised that national singles coach Rashid Sidek is down with Influenza A (H1N1), said Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek Monday.

Instead, he said, they should give their best in the tournaments which would begin on Sunday.

He said the players should accept it as a challenge for them to win their games.

"Infact, this is an opportunity for the players to show their gratitude to Rashid," he told reporters after opening the Malaysia KBS-Pennzoil-AAM Rally Sprint here.

He advised the players to maintain a high level of personal hygiene to avoid any infection.

"I have been informed by the National Sports Institute that all our badminton players are free of the H1N1 infection," he added.

Rashid and his five year-old daughter were certified H1N1 positive last Saturday and were admitted to a hospital, while his wife and their 13-month-old daughter were certified with H1N1 on Sunday.

Have you been to
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia? Are
you looking for a personal
badminton
coach? If you
answer yes to both these
questions
then this is a must
for you. You can now visit
K.L., Malaysia and join our
badminton training
program.
Interested?